When his previous company was targeted by a cyber attack attempting to take millions of euro from his clients, Eleftherios Karabatskis was forced to take immediate and decisive action.
The hard work paid off and a few months later, the company was sold to a European giant in the sector. The experience, however, led Karabatskis to pivot to a new sector in an effort to prevent other companies from having to have the same experience he did.
“What happened created pain for our clients, for our suppliers, for our team,” he told INSPIRE 2026 audiences from the Beyond Borders stage during a panel discussion entitled ‘Impact Before 40: The Leaders Shaping Tomorrow.’
“It took us time to bounce back, but we managed to. A few months later, the company was acquired by one of the largest energy companies in Europe.” Karabatskis continued.
He underlined that resilience had not come out of pretending that everything was fine: “I had to make immediate decisions.”
He had to work hard to get his team to a specific point and to get the answers his clients and suppliers needed.
His decision to go back into business after the company was sold was motivated by two things, Karbatskis continued, “I took the cyber attack at my company personally and said that this should not happen to anyone else.”
The decision was also revealed by a quality he believes he shares with other entrepreneurs: “a bug that we all have, that makes you want to create.”
The panel was moderated by Niki Ioannou-Chandriotou, Director, CytaBusiness.
Strategic Partner: CYTA Business
Platinum Sponsor: Bank of Cyprus
Innovation Partner: Ίδρυμα Έρευνας και Καινοτομίας/Research and Innovation Foundation
Gold Sponsors: Cyfield Group, Zorbas Group
Silver Sponsors: Bioland Energy, Petrolina (Holdings) Public Ltd
Stage Sponsors: Invest Cyprus - CIPA , KPMG Cyprus, National Bank of Greece, Odyssey Cybersecurity
Academic Partner: University of Nicosia
Mobility Partner: Pilakoutas Group
Sustainability Partner: Electricity Authority of Cyprus
Hospitality Sponsor: Hilton Nicosia
Sponsor: IMR/UNIVERSITY OF NICOSIA , Αρχή Ανάπτυξης Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού - Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus, Henry’s by Columbia, 33East
Panel Sponsor: Allwyn Cyprus
Technology Sponsor: Abasis.AI
Wellbeing Partner: wayfitco.
Supporting Organisations: National Betting Authority , SkillsCyprus
Exhibitors: drastyc, Emphasys Centre, Giorgio Armani, Factorial , GrantXpert Consulting Ltd, onlyseo., Photos Photiades Breweries , Wolt, Bank of Cyprus Nicosia Marathon
Supporters: Cloud Office, CP Herbal Skin Care, Farm Wisely Cyprus, Chr. Kapodistrias & Sons Ltd, Superhome Center, Alphamega Hypermarkets
Mimajo Healthy Snacks Ltd, Robura Asset Management, University of Limassol, Voici la Mode Group of Companies
With the Support of: Cyprus Computer Society, CITEA, CCCI, CPMA, OEB, Youth Board of Cyprus, TechIsland, StudentLife Academy, CSR Cyprus
Communication Sponsors: SuperFM, REPORTER, IN Business, Cyprus Business News, Alpha TV
Organiser: IMH
Under the Auspices: Nicosia Municipality
